Rep. Davis Celebrates 38th Anniversary of Medicare July 30, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis today celebrated the 38th anniversary of Medicare and vowed to keep his promise to strengthen the program by continuing to fight for a responsible prescription drug benefit under Medicare. Today marks 38 years since President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill that created the Medicare program.

"Medicare has helped millions of Americans receive healthcare benefits since its inception, but our work is still not done," Davis said. "Congress debated and passed a prescription drug plan that will leave many of the seniors in my district behind. The plan does not allow for a fallback plan for those who can't receive private insurance and turns Medicare into a voucher program by 2010."

Rep. Davis had instructed House and Senate conferees to include a fallback plan to ensure that seniors aren't abandoned and left to the mercy of insurance and pharmaceutical companies. He also asked them to reject the House-passed provision turning Medicare into a voucher program.

On today's anniversary, we should reflect on the many ways Medicare has improved the lives of millions of Americans and commit to making it better.